Credit Saison: Enters the markets of Brazil and Mexico – Starts lending operations in both countries, where the fintech markets are growing –

11 April 2023

Credit Saison Co., Ltd.

Credit Saison enters the markets of Brazil and Mexico

– Start lending operations in both countries, where fintech

markets grow –

Credit Saison Co., Ltd. (Head office: Toshima-ku, Tokyo; Representative, CEO and COO: Katsumi Mizuno; hereinafter “Credit Saison”) has established operating companies in Brazil and Mexico and will sequentially start lending businesses serving local individuals and micro, small and medium enterprises.

After positioning our global operations as our “third pillar” after payments and finance, Credit Saison has expanded with a particular focus on the Southeast Asia and India markets. In April 2022, we established IHQ (International Headquarters) in Singapore to facilitate quick decisions in a rapidly changing and diverse business environment, and we have promoted business development not only in Asia but globally.

Currently, India has a growing lending market that caters to the financing needs of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and individual customers who do not have access to adequate financing through the traditional banking system. Under our “senior lending”(*2) model, Credit Saison India provides direct and indirect financing to end customers, while partnering with local fintech operators and leveraging their customer channels and credit and collection capabilities. In this way, Credit Saison India has grown into a pillar of our global business in less than four years since they launched this business.

*2 Senior loans … have higher seniority in the borrower’s capital structure than subordinated loans. Lenders limit the risk, while borrowers borrow at a lower interest rate.

When we explored expanding our India business model to other countries with the aim of taking a further leap forward in our global operations, we concluded that Brazil and Mexico are the best countries because of their world-leading market potential and mature fintech ecosystems(*3 ). Brazil and Mexico are also attractive markets with potential for future economic growth given the recent increase in global investment into Latin America.

*3 Fintech ecosystem … an industrial ecosystem made up of participants from a wide range of industries, including fintech companies, financial institutions, government agencies, lawyers and investors.

Credit Saison will use the knowledge we have developed in Japan, Southeast Asia and India to offer financial services that meet local needs through collaboration with local companies in Brazil and Mexico, thereby helping to enrich the lives of customers in both countries. We will also accelerate financial inclusion globally, with the aim of creating a sustainable society.